Lauren, who was an angel in the nativity, said the supermodel was really nice to work with.

Two of the more exotic nativity creatures were played by Daniel Powell and Steffan Thomas, both 12, who loved the electric atmosphere and could not wait to see themselves on screen.

While some of the children had to wear outlandish costumes, 11-year-old Rachel Thomas had to have a beard painted on her to play a wise man. She said, "I had to spend about half an hour in make-up. But it was so hot that the make-up kept running and down my neck."

The film process is not an unusual one for Rachel, as she has already starred in 102 Dalmatians with Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd.

It was Emma Thompson, though, who impressed her the most in this film, as she smiled and talked to all the children. The actress also impressed 12-year-old Bethan Richards, while Liam Neeson was also a favourite with the young stars.

However, Hugh Grant was not a favourite with 11-year-old Amy Gronow, who plays Mary in the nativity. She said, "I was not really happy with Hugh Grant, it was like he was better than us, but Emma Thompson and Martine McCutcheon were always waving and smiling at us."

The children, some of whom are the choir for Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Cardiff's New Theatre, will be able to see the film at a special screening with their parents in Port Talbot.